KS2 - Working Scientifically Unit

Whole unit for teaching fundamentals of working scientifically and then carrying out a basic experiment, including:
● What is working scientifically?
● What are variables?
● Dependent, independent and control
● Introduce experiment for this week and identify variables
● How to measure and select the right equipment
● How to be accurate and precise (link to maths: averages, rounding and units of measure)
● Carrying out experiment as planned
● How to record results clearly - how to draw tables
● Reporting findings through graphs
● Types of graph for different purposes
● How to draw a graph accurately
● What is a conclusion?
● How do we know our conclusion is correct?
● Can we find other evidence to support our findings?

Taught to a mixed ability Year 6 group but could be adapted to other year groups.

National Curriculum Objectives:
● Planning different types of scientific enquiries to answer questions, including recognising and controlling variables where necessary
● Taking measurements, using a range of scientific equipment, with increasing accuracy and precision, taking repeat readings when appropriate
● Recording data and results of increasing complexity using scientific diagrams and labels, classification keys, tables, scatter graphs, bar and line graphs
● Reporting and presenting findings from enquiries, including conclusions, causal relationships and explanations of and a degree of trust in results, in oral and written forms such as displays and other presentations
● Identifying scientific evidence that has been used to support or refute ideas or arguments
● Using test results to make predictions to set up further comparative and fair tests